Jeremiah 17:10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.

 

At the close of Chapter 4 of the Book of Acts, we are introduced to a man named Barnabas. Born a Levite with a bright future as a Priest, somehow he heard the Gospel of Christ and was saved and born again. The Lord called Barnabas to be a part of His Church so he sold his land, moved to Jerusalem, and gave the money to the Apostles. Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the Apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:37)

 

Barnabas sowed all he had into the Kingdom of God with no strings attached. He didn’t tell them what he wanted them to do with his money. He simply trusted God to move on the hearts of the Apostles to be good stewards of all they had.

 

This is a lesson for all of us. Oftentimes money is donated to a ministry but it is also designated for a specific purpose. I have done this myself at times. We see a certain need and we feel moved by the Lord to help so we donate some money and designate it for that specific project. That’s a good thing but is it a display of pure faith? Only God knows the answer to that question as He knows our hearts. I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:10)

 

We are all called to be good stewards of what the Lord has provided for us. Although we work hard to earn what we have, it is God who gives us the ability to work. And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His Covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

 

We are called to be good stewards of everything God has given us which when we consider this, is everything. What do we have that God has not given us or Blessed us with the ability to earn? Nothing. Therefore, let us strive to be good stewards of everything we have as well as our ability to gain. And, let us sow into the Kingdom of God so others can come to the knowledge and saving Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

It’s easy to trust God, but it’s not so easy to trust people. The members of the First Church pooled their resources and trusted those in leadership positions. Everyone was provided for and no one was better than anyone else. They understood that they were all once lost and headed for Hell until that fateful day when they accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. They had to trust each other with the assets of the Church and those who were the leaders understood their responsibility. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 4:2)

 

God looks at our hearts. He knows our motives. He knows everything about us. He calls us to be good stewards of everything we have and be trustworthy of what others give us. This is a very important lesson not only in ministry but in life. The bottom line is this question: What are you doing with what you have been given?

 

The answer brings me back to one of my favorite Scriptures. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

 

 

Only God can….…….turn the tide

 

Seeking Him first above all else,         Doreen

 

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